New look, same result

NEW LENOX -- Providence Catholic High School's boys volleyball team graduated most of the key members from a squad that finished fourth in the state a year ago.

But with only 2 returnees from that talented group back in 2009, the new-look Celtics are beginning to develop into a pretty good team this season.

Coach Cindy Olczyk's squad improved to 9-4 after beating Joliet Catholic Academy 25-14, 25-22 in Friday's nonconference match at Sacred Heart Gym.

Meanwhile, the young Hilltoppers (6-5) are also showing improvement under coach Rhyen Staley, who was a Celtic setter on Olczyk's 1998 team that went to state.

"I love playing against that type of a coach and that type of team because they work hard," Olczyk said of going up against Staley's JCA squad. "He's a good man and he has his team ready and teaches them the right things.

"We have only two returning players, captains Brian Urchell and Denny Falls. Everybody else is new to this level and they're trying very hard. We've been changing the lineup and we think we might have it settled now.

"This group was undefeated on the JV, so they were very close and get along so well with each other. They know their strengths and weaknesses and they're very smart and also are trying to do whatever we ask of them."

JCA had to juggle its lineup since senior Mike Ranzini is sidelined with an injury. His absence was especially felt during the opening game.

That's when Providence used an 8-0 run, thanks to the serving of Mike Galgan (13 points, 11 assists), to turn an 11-9 lead into a 19-9 advantage.

Despite being both sick and injured, Urchell led the Celtics with 20 digs while Falls paced all players with 10 kills.

"We lost all of our starters from last year but Denny and me," Urchell said. "So this is a totally different team and even though we have a few things to improve on, the future looks good and we'll surprise a lot of teams.

"We had so much talent last year that a lot of these kids couldn't come up. We had a lot of talent on the J-V team so we have good chemistry this year. We have a lot of heart, people want to play and we mesh well together."

In the second game, JCA used a 6-0 run during a serve by Brian Bucciarelli (3 kills) to grab an early 10-7 advantage.

But the Celtics regained the lead for good at 22-20 and Falls ended things with kills for 2 of his team's last 3 points.

"We have a lot of talent so we just have to work for the end of the year," Falls said. "We replaced almost all of our lineup and a lot of the players didn't have much experience but they're stepping up and playing better.

"If we're struggling in a game, anyone can come in and do a good job for us since everyone works together and communicates well. I'm a little surprised but I like what I've seen and I'm excited for the rest of the season."

Jim Connolly chipped in with 6 kills, Pat McGuire added 3 kills and Kevin Tucker contributed 10 assists for Providence.

Other leaders for the Hilltoppers were Matt Dollinger (5 kills), Keegan Robbins (4 kills) and Kevin Annis (14 assists).

"Mike twisted his ankle against St. Patrick's and we don't know when he'll be back," Staley said. "He's a very important part of our team in terms of serve-receive. If we had him, this match could have been entirely different.

"We have a lot of young kids and right now we only have two seniors on the floor. Just like Providence, we're really looking to build off of those young kids. And our program has played its best ball at the end of the season."